5 Tricks to Happy Houseguests

Get simple tips for making your company's stay comfortable

I have a confession: I'm not the most attentive hostess. I provide a clean, comfortable room and a full kitchen, but other than that, I'm kinda busy. If you are too, here's how to keep everyone happy.

1. Test-Drive the Guest Room
Sleep in the bed yourself for a night. (You'll be surprised.) Now, make the room more comfortable: Fix the drafty windows, get an alarm clock that actually works, and replace the weird blanket.

2. Create Space
This is the part people forget: Guests need ample shelf and closet space in the bedroom, bathroom and front hallway for their suitcases and stuff.

3. Jazz Things Up
Add some books or magazines you think particular guests would like, and if you can, your guests' favorite toiletries.

4. Take Inventory
Check that you have enough serving dishes, wineglasses, unstained sheets, towels, washcloths and air mattresses for the incoming crew. There's no reason to buy what you don't have—borrow from a friend.

5. Lay Out Entertainment
What sort of vegging out do these guests enjoy? The more you offer, the less entertaining you'll have to do. Place multiple options in plain sight: a TV remote, board games, ingredients for a baking project, movies.

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